Besides talent, the Lady Tigers have one of the most energetic, talented young coaches in the game.

Martha Fancher was a standout soccer player at Alabama. She has brought her love and knowledge of the game to Klein Collins.

"We only have 16 players," Fancher said. "With one goalie, that leaves us only four field players (as reserves). That is where the girls have to buy into the heart concept. Every once in a while, heart beats talent. This year, I think we have both."

No. 1 team falls

Klein Collins showed just how much heart and talent it truly has with a recent 4-0 victory over Clements. The Lady Rangers came into the non-district match ranked No. 1 in the region and eighth in the state.

"Against Clements, we played the way I have been telling them they could play since our playoff game (loss to A&M Consolidated) last year," Fancher said. "We ended last year on a big high. We beat Klein Oak to make the playoffs and beat Cy Creek in the playoffs. Then, we put them on a charter bus to go to A&M. We got so excited, we didn't prepare for the game.

"This time (against Clements), I told them the scouting report, about their returnees and that they were state ranked. They seemed to soak it up. It was finally good to be able to say I told you so. We really put it all together."

The Lady Tigers also have an early-season victory over Klein Oak and a tough loss to state-ranked Coleyville-Heritage.

"We have eight seniors on the team and the only thing they remember is the way it ended last year," Fancher said. "We lost in the second round of the playoffs. We were better than that, it was devastating. This year, the regional tournament is something we have our eye on."

Klein Collins played in the Governor's Cup at Georgetown last weekend before moving into District 14-5A play.

"This was our first out-of-town tournament," Fancher said. "We chartered a bus, stayed in a motel, had meal money. That is what is all about. The off-the-field time the kids get to spend together can make a difference on the field."

Klein Collins will host Klein Forest on Friday at 7 p.m. in a district match.

"The University of The Woodlands is the team to beat," Fancher said laughing. "They are extremely well coached and they are so deep. We saw them in the Kingwood tournament. They have 14 to 17 seniors. It is just insane, they are so incredibly deep."